Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester City last weekend at Anfield was so complete that the Reds now seem firm favourites for their 21st league title. While they only just squeaked out a draw with Newcastle United in a rare poor match defensively, the team continue to thrive under Arne Slot. The Liverpool forwards are flying, star winger Salah continues to show no slowdown.
However, what can also not be ignored is the fact that the Reds defenders have conceded only 11 goals in their 14 Premier League matches so far. They have kept seven clean sheets in the league, which is the highest by any club.
Virgil van Dijk the pillar in Liverpool’s defence
The match against Manchester City saw yet another stupendous display from the 33-year-old Dutch centre-back. Liverpool needed a big physical specimen to counter the threat posed by Erling Haaland, a huge man himself, and could not have asked for a better man than van Dijk for the job.
There was an occasion when a long ball was played to Haaland in the second half that caught van Dijk slightly off position. However, the Dutchman showed exceptional balance to stretch his right leg and bring the ball under control with a brilliant touch.
In the absence of Ibrahima Konaté, van Dijk gave the Liverpool defence the calm assurance it needed against a top-quality striker like Haaland. He took care of the aerial balls played into the box and did not have to take unnecessary risk to foil attacks.
Van Dijk did concede possession cheaply once to Kevin de Bruyne during the dying minutes of the match, but the latter failed to make use of it. Aside from that, it was yet another perfect display from the man-mountain, who has become synonymous with Liverpool’s success along with Salah in the recent past.
Van Dijk has played almost 300 matches for the Reds:
The Dutch defender is into his eighth season at Anfield and has played in 288 matches for Liverpool already. He is surely going to get past the 300-mark this season if he stays injury-free. Aside from finishing second in Ballon d’Or ranking in 2019, he has won the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League titles with the club.
For a big man, van Dijk moves quite elegantly and also has great anticipation, which means that he does not have to resort to hard tackles frequently. He is also one of the better defenders in the world in terms of heading ability and has scored quite a few goals with headers already.
At the moment, the Reds are in a great spree under their new manager Arne Slot. They have lost only a solitary match this season and look good for multiple titles. However, for that to happen, van Dijk will have to be at the top of his game, just like he has been so far.
The Dutchman’s contract with Liverpool will expire next year. It remains to be seen whether the club renews it, as he will be 34 next year. One would love to think that he continues playing for a top club until he turns 35 at least.
However, as things stand at the moment, his future with the club remains uncertain, just like Salah’s. He remains one of the most influential centre-backs in the history of Premier League and has already left a serious mark in English football.